ABS Question

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Sep 25, 2012 | 12:44 AM

djed

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 856

Likes: 63

From: Los Angeles/Ventura, CA

ABS Question

Picture this: I'm towing a 20,000lbs boat on a triple axle trailer behind my 2001 F350 4WD DRW truck to the launch ramp (a 1/4 mile trip). As I start easing the boat (in reverse) down the launch ramp, the front wheels lock up and start skipping on the slotted ramp surface. The surface is not particularly wet, but is wet to some degree. To keep from getting pulled in the water, I shift into drive and press the accelerator. Close call? Not really - it seems to happen every time.

Although I understand that an ABS system is supposed to keep brakes from locking up, I don't know how it works on my truck.

My Question: Should the ABS system have kicked in and kept the wheels from locking? (I assume that all 2001 trucks, including mine, have ABS).

Your help is appreciated.

Sep 25, 2012 | 02:28 AM

BigAlsPSD

Post Fiend

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 5,470

Likes: 3

From: Pea Ridge, AR

I wouldn't be so sure you have front ABS. My 2000 doesn't. Check for wheel speed sensors at the front hubs.

Sep 25, 2012 | 05:45 AM

hammer65

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,302

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From: Morehead, Ky.

I would think a 20,000 lb trailer would drag an 8,000 lb truck with all four wheels locked, down a very steep grade.
I think that is one of the problems with surge trailer brakes, no reverse braking. You may have to convert to electric over hydraulic, to solve your problem.

I spun out on a gravel hill, with a 10,000 lb trailer, and I have 4 wheel ABS, but the trailer still dragged be back down, until I used the manual lever on the electric brakes.